Joyce Bawah criticises Akufo-Addo’s ‘abuse’ of presidential power and discretion to appoint judges

The Special Aide to former President John Dramani Mahama, Joyce Bawah Mogtari, has criticised President Akufo-Addo’s recent appointments to the Appeals Court, alleging an abuse of power and discretion contrary to outlined provisions in the 1992 Constitution.

Madam Mogtari expressed concern over President Akufo-Addo’s latest appointment of over 20 Appeals Court Judges, which brings the total number of Appeals Court Judges in the country to 51.

She voiced apprehension that a significant portion of these judges may not have sufficient cases to preside over.

Referencing Ghana’s case in comparison to Nigeria, where she noted they have 35 judges, she argued that President Akufo-Addo’s actions constitute an abuse of discretionary power.

In a post on Monday, April 8, Madam Mogtari underscored her concerns about the situation.

 

“How can any individual leader, as in Akufo-Addo appoint twenty-one (21) additional Court of Appeal judges, bringing the total number of Court of Appeal Judges in Ghana to fifty-one (51). Most of these judges may have absolutely nothing to do. This constitutes an abuse of presidential power and discretion.”

“Even in neighbouring Nigeria, they have thirty five (35) Court of Appeal Judges, five judges for each district. How can Ghana have fifty one (51) Court of Appeal justices?,” he quizzed.

President Akufo-Addo has nominated eight lawyers, including Dr. Poku Adusei, for the Court of Appeal, as part of a list of 20 names unveiled.

If approved by Parliament, these nominations would mark the largest influx of judges appointed to the Court at any given period, bringing the total number of Court of Appeal judges to 51.

This surge in appointments is the issue Madam Mogtari is raising concerns over.